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guinea pig lost weight

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lkmc01

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Hi

My guinea pig has lost weight. He is the same age as the other guinea pig who he lives with and has always been a similar weight. The healthy one is 1000g and the ill one is 800g and I can feel his pelvis. The ill guinea pig has a dark patch on his rump, not next to his toilet area but above it. Its like a scab. He has been like this about a week. He is not as alert as he usually is but he is still eating and drinking fine. the other guinea pig is fine.

Anyone know what is wrong with him? Think he is about 1.5 years old. He still has all his hair which is now too big for him.
 
The dark patch above his bottom is his grease gland which can get pretty matted and stinky in boys. It's nothing to worry about but might need a good clean with some swarfega or similar to get the grease out of it before giving him a bath.

If he's losing weight but is being fed the same as his friend then he definately needs to see a vet as he probably has some underlying illness or dental problem.

Does he drop his food a lot or dribble when eating? That can indicate a dental problem.

He needs to see a vet soon because guineas are very good at hiding illness so by the time their weight starts dropping they can often be quite sick. If you need help finding a good vet there is list on here somewhere.

Where about's are you so I can hae an idea where you could go for help?
 
I'm in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. I cant get him to vets for at least a week due to working hours
 
Hi!

The dark patch is his grease gland and needs cleaning.
Here are tips on how to go about it: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=47314

Make sure that you groom any longhaired piggies daily to prevent painful mats and tangles.

Please have your boy seen by a vet as soon as you can. Weight loss - especially massive one - is very worrying! Make sure that your vet checks the back teeth (molars) for spurs. Please weigh him daily as long as he is not back to his old weight. Is he still eating, drinking and has he got any other symptoms?
Here are other reasons that can cause loss of appetite: http://www.guinealynx.info/anorexia.html
When to see a vet about weight loss: http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html

If you can please bring your piggies inside.
 
You need to get someone to take him to the vet. A week might well be too late for the little guy especially if his weight keeps dropping.f

Please consider letting a friend or family member take him so he gets seen as soon as possible
 
Did you manage to get your guinea pig to a vet? How is he doing now?
 
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